Accidental nonnative invasive plant (NNIP) introductions occur cryptically, often with little or no observed data to determine a species’ propagule pressure. Without such data, estimates of propagule pressure for subsequent successful establishment, spread, and systemwide negative impacts are difficult to determine. Our research team has been collecting directly observed data of plant seeds hitchhiking on shipping containers to assess propagule pressure of NNIPs at an international seaport, which is important because global maritime trade constitutes at least 90% of all trade. Our overarching research objective is to intervene at the onset of invasion by identifying and intercepting the diversity of high-risk plant species’ propagules arriving on refrigerated shipping containers at an international maritime point-of-entry, thereby reducing propagule pressure and potential invasion success. Previous research discovered NNIP species with seasonal peaks in propagule pressure arriving into the Port of Savannah, GA, USA. Here, we specifically ask if specially trained detection dogs can discriminate among different plant seeds arrivals hitchhiking on containerized imports. We conduct novel research on the canines’ capacity to: (1) detect seeds in varied abundances and environments, and with distractions and seed contaminants (e.g., hydraulic fluids, grease, grime, insects); (2) discriminate between NNIP target seeds from non-target seeds. This collaborative research among USDA Forest Service, Arkansas State University, and Working Dogs for Conservation (WD4C.org) aims to develop a novel tool to reduce plant invasions and biotic homogenization resulting from maritime global trade. This is the first research evaluation of the efficacy and potential role of detection dogs interrupting industrial-scale invasion processes at the introduction stage and in a direct effort to reduce propagule pressure of risky invasive plant species. Here, we present initial findings from this proof-of-concept trial with canine capacity on internationally vectored plant seeds via global maritime trade. The data we are collecting will allow us to determine if detection dogs can be employed for this purpose at scale, and if they can, we will work with them to improve biosecurity and reduce probabilities of plant escape that can start or exacerbate plant invasions.